Public meeting to discuss new bike lanes on Mass. Ave.

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting on Wednesday to discuss a state- and federally-funded project that will reconfigure a portion of Massachusetts Avenue to make crossing safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. The project deals with the section that intersects with Mystic and Pleasant streets, where bicyclists and pedestrians who are using the Minuteman Bikeway must cross the roadway. Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said current plans call for reconfiguring traffic lanes and installing on-street bike lanes to improve safety for cyclists crossing the road. Chapdelaine said for bicyclists traveling east, the plans call for installing a bike lane that would cut into Uncle Sam Park on Mystic Street, then direct bicyclists across Massachusetts Avenue to an on-street bike lane that would lead them to Swan Place and the continuation of the trail. For cyclists traveling west, the plans call for installing a new signal at the end of Swan Place that would allow cyclists to cross Mass. Ave. to another bike lane, that would lead them to Mystic Street and the continuation of the bikeway. Six parking spots and a taxi stand would be eliminated. Chapdelaine said the town and state are examining options for replacing those spots downtown. The public will have a chance to comment on the plans at the meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Arlington Senior Center at 27 Maple St.